Soccer Knowledge Engineer

Second Spectrum is a Sports Emmy-winning data & tech company that is building the next way of seeing sports - by capturing and producing the highest quality data and innovative content for many of the world’s largest leagues and media partners, such as the NFL, NBA, English Premier League, ESPN, Amazon, and CBS Sports.

We are pushing the boundaries of deep tech -- machine learning, computer vision, big data, augmented and virtual reality. Our passion for cutting-edge design and decades of experience playing college and professional sports is an equal part of the magic that brings unique and innovative products to life. These products have helped Second Spectrum partners to multiple NBA championships, to win matches on soccer pitches around the world, to entertain and educate millions of fans on TV and digital. In 2021, Second Spectrum was acquired by Genius Sports, bringing together a unique combination of technological, operational and commercial capabilities. We're just getting started turning our joint vision of transformative sports technologies into reality. 

Second Spectrum is the place to be if you’re interested in working on cutting edge technology in sports, alongside incredibly driven and ambitious teammates. Our innovative and dynamic environment emphasizes opportunities for motivated individuals to maximize their growth and impact.

The Role: Soccer Knowledge Engineer

The Soccer Knowledge Engineer is responsible, along with the Director of Soccer Analytics, for development, improvement, oversight and support of existing and new soccer data products. The role works closely with engineering, product and operations colleagues, to advance product development, oversee data quality, ensure customer satisfaction, generate content for customer use cases, and promote success and growth of Second Spectrum soccer data products.

This role is based in our recently opened, global center, New York City office. Located in midtown Manhattan, amongst the iconic skyline, you'll be immersed in cultural richness that inspires innovation and creativity. Join our team and add your talents to building a hub for all of Genius Sports.

Specifically, you can expect to:

• Have and apply a thorough technical understanding of all of Second Spectrum’s software and data products
• Have and apply a strong understanding of the professional soccer industry, terminology and governance, as well as the current field of soccer analytics
• Work with engineering colleagues to plan and implement robust data quality metrics, methodology, and tools
• Support technical customer requests and be proactive in triaging, understanding, and solving customer needs
• Help clients navigate, interpret, and find specific data points using Second Spectrum’s offerings
• Conceptualize, refine, and implement new data features in our core data products and software
• Generate data-driven content using Second Spectrum’s data and products
• Coordinate and train operational staff and specialists to execute manual tasks in support of machine learning labeling, live match operational tasks, and evaluation 
• Create and maintain internal and external facing documentation
• Travel if needed to meet current and potential clients

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience playing or coaching soccer at an amateur, competitive, or semi-professional level
• Knowledge of soccer terms and concepts
• Understanding of the current landscape and recent past of major professional soccer  leagues
• Understanding of data aggregation and manipulation concepts
• Experience and comfort working with one or more data-heavy technical tools, such as advanced spreadsheets, databasing/SQL, or statistical analysis programming languages such as Python or R
• Ability to make time-critical judgment calls regarding data processing, engineering support, and customer satisfaction
• A friendly, professional and helpful attitude for client support
• Flexible schedule to work nights and weekends as needed to support live games on a rotational basis
  
  
  

Our Work Environment and What You Will Benefit From

Work on cutting-edge products for major professional sports leagues and teams.Team-oriented engineering practices (readable, maintainable, and efficient code).Flat hierarchy and collaborative management led by experienced and strong technical leads.Innovative and dynamic environment, which encourages self-development and opportunities to make an impact.Multicultural team with employees based across several countries (e.g., Switzerland, Denmark, France, United States).Potential for Equity/Bonus, Flexible working hours, Competitive salary, Medical and dental benefits, 401k match

What’s in it for you? 

In addition to competitive salary and paid time off, our benefits include health insurance, skills training and much more, depending on the location. We also offer social events throughout the year such as summer and winter holiday parties, monthly team building events, sports tournaments, charity days and wellbeing activities. 

The salary for this role is based on an annualized range of $95,000 - $125,000. This role will also be eligible to take part in Genius Sports Group's benefits plan.

How we work 

We have adapted a forward-thinking ‘Ways of Working’ framework, which sets out (amongst other things) the opportunities for Second Spectrum to work flexibly, remotely and on working holidays. It affects different teams and locations differently, so please ask for further information on how it would work with this role. 

Our employees stretch the boundaries of what’s achievable, always reaching further and pushing limits to see what gives. We collaborate, we innovate, and we celebrate. We will continue to grow as an organization and to invest in our highly talented and diverse team.

Second Spectrum, part of Genius Sports Group, is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recognize and celebrate the benefits that a diverse and inclusive workforce bring to our business, our customers, and our staff. We welcome and will consider all applications regardless of age, different abilities or disability, gender identity or re-assignment, marriage, pregnancy, maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation (and any other applicable status). Please let us know when you apply if you need any assistance during the recruiting process due to a disability.